I bought a beautiful olive oil last December in Florence – brand name Laudemio, and of course when recently in this beautiful city one of my first stops was this little shop which sells olive oil, olives, dishes for olives, etc. Imagine my surprise when there was none of this oil to be seen on the shelves. At first my first enquiry only brought a blank look, and a suggestion that another brand was all that there was. After much interrogation, I managed to find out that the oil was “finished” meaning HE had no more.
olive oil shop in Borgo SS Apostoli - Florence
I then remembered an article that I had read in the Weekend Australian back in Brisbane, that the people who produce this oil, also produce world famous wine and have a restaurant in Florence. Again, after much questioning, he did admit that he knew where the restaurant was. All he would tell me was that it was in the Piazza Signoria – quite a large place.
Undeterred, we marched over there and after more questioning of the guy in the fruit shop (having bought two white peaches) he was able to tell me where it was.
evening at Frescobaldi
Laurie and I hot footed it there and made a booking for dinner. We were not disappointed. I told Debra all about our experience and of course the two of us had to visit said restaurant for lunch a few days later. The place was absolutely packed and our lunch was delicious.
the lunch table
delicious porchetta on salad leaves
a corner table
The Frescobaldi family has been involved in wine and oil production for centuries and the wine is just as good as the oil.
We were offered a comparison tasting of 3 wines from different years. The wine we tried was from the Sangiovese grape.
Lawrie contemplates the wine
The wines were – Nipozzano Riserva Chianti, S. Maria Morellino di Scansano 2008 and Campo di Sassi Rosso do Montalcino 2008. They were all excellent!
So, when in Florence try to fit in a visit to this 5 star restaurant which has won many awards. It is in via dei Magazzini 2, (off Piazza Signoria)Firenze. Buon appetito.
the restaurant has won many awards
Frescobaldi wines
If you can’t make it to the restaurant in Florence, look out for the delicious Laudemio olive oil or one of the fabulous wines.